Mount Aso Nakadake Crater

aso nakadake kako

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An active volcano located in the center of the Aso Gogaku (Five Peaks of Aso). The plume and emerald-green crater lake seen up close are breathtaking.

Scenic Views

Tourist destination images of Mount Aso Nakadake Crater(1)

Tourist destination images of Mount Aso Nakadake Crater(2)

Tourist destination images of Mount Aso Nakadake Crater(3)

HighlightsThe Power of an Active Volcano Up Close
Emerald Green Hot Water Pool
Rugged Crater Landscape
Experience Feeling the Earth's Breath
A Leading Tourist Attraction in Aso

Basic Information

Address: Kurokawa, Aso City, Kumamoto Prefecture Search for tourist attractions in Kumamoto

Access: By Car: Approximately 100 minutes from Kumamoto City to the Aso Sanjo Hiroba (Aso Mountain Plaza), then about 5 minutes via the Asozan Park Toll Road. By Bus: Approximately 35 minutes from JR Aso Station to Kusasenri/Aso Sanjo Terminal. From the terminal, transfer to the "Mt. Aso Crater Shuttle" for about 5 minutes. *Direct buses are also available to Aso Sanjo Terminal from Kumamoto City and Kumamoto Airport (1 round trip per day). Show route

Op.Hours: 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM (Hours vary depending on the season)

Cld.Days: Open daily, weather permitting. Restrictions may apply due to weather or volcanic activity.

Fee: Aso Mountain Park Road Toll: 1000 yen (standard passenger vehicle)

INFO: Access may be restricted depending on volcanic gas levels. Please check the Aso Volcano Disaster Prevention Council's official website for the latest information before visiting. Those with respiratory sensitivities should refrain from entering. Please be sure to familiarize yourself with the emergency evacuation locations.

HP: https://www.aso-volcano.jp/

Overview

Mount Nakadake, an active volcano, sits at the heart of the Aso Gogaku (Five Peaks of Aso). Its activity began approximately 300,000 years ago and continues to this day. Nakadake has craters numbered 1 through 7, with Crater No. 1 being the primary source of current eruptions. Inside the crater, a crater lake, commonly referred to as a 'hot water pool,' is formed, its beautiful emerald-green color captivating all who see it. Based on observations since the establishment of modern monitoring systems, the activity shows a pattern: as activity intensifies, the hot water pool decreases or disappears, and when the crater floor glows red, an eruption is likely. Eruptions that subside within a few days occur every two to three years, while eruptions that continue for several years occur approximately every 10 to 20 years. Experience the pulse of the Earth amidst the magnificent nature of Aso. The poem 'Great Aso' by Tatsuji Miyoshi also references 'from the peak of Nakadake,' indicating this location has been beloved by many people for ages.